Part 1:

Its January 8 2199, and in the last 2 days the private had just fought the main captain of the trinity which he then eventually passed out after a certain encounter with a cloaked marine that had some sort of dark fog looking power. Now he was healed up and enjoying his breakfast with his teammates.

else were

Capt john: Hello henry, we have just destroyed the navigation rig and now we need to know where the command tower is? So now you told us that it had a shield protecting it and a picture showing us how it looks like. Now henry can you tell us where it is or would you like to come with us and show it too us in person.

Henry approached the captain of team alpha and revealed himself from the shadowy corner he was within.

Henry: Sure thing, I'll show you where it is. I would like for you guys to put an end to that damn machine.

Capt John: Very well then, my good sir. We shall be leaving in a few for now just wait here.

The trinity prisoner nodded and responded directly.

Henry: Very well.

Back to the zeta base

Capt James: Takeda thank you for carrying Richard out of the base, so how you feeling? you just came back from your pod a while ago.

Spec takeda: (in Japanese) I'm all good now, just need a good breakfast and some sunlight.

Capt James: good to know marine.

Spec chizuru: (in Japanese) Here you go Takeda, have some of your favourite cereal.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Thank you chizuru, you are an angel for getting me my favourite rare cereal from another state.

Chizuru smiled and watched Takeda devour his marshmallow with honey cereal.

Across the table, Richard nudged Nikolas.

Pvt Richard: yo Nikolas, one question? what's 9 plus 10.

Nikolas paused, brow furrowing, before answering,

Spec Nikolas: em 19.

Pvt Richard: yeah, I thought you were going to say dumb shit like 21 lol.

Spec Nikolas: yeah, whoever made that joke must have been pretty dumb.

Grinning from cheek to cheek.

Sergeant Thomas: ah yes, typical 20 century humour right their but anyway Richard is it true you slapped that captain's face so hard his jaw broke?

Richard shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but pride tugged at his lips.

Pvt Richard: yeah, I was pissed off and since takeda gave me the chance to finish the fight. I took the chance and then there I was punching this dude so hard in the stomach, that his back muscles and guts were crushed from the impact.

Sergeant Thomas: Very interesting, well anyway I heard captain john went to interrogate henry about the location of satellite command tower. We should be getting information in just a few minutes.

Pvt Richard: hmm it would be better if henry would come with us as well, he has been pretty honest with us and genuine as well.

Sergeant Thomas: Your right, so far, he has been telling the truth entire time.

ALERT! TRANSMISSION INCOMING!

Capt. John's voice boomed through the base's comm system:

Capt john: All the captains please meet me in the staff office. I've got important information to tell all of you.

Capt. James stood, pushing his chair back.

Capt James: and there it is, well everyone. I'll be right back with information to tell you about this mission.

As James left, Richard glanced at Corporal Wyatt.

Pvt Richard: Whelp there goes the captain, by the way corporal did Brian and kash make it back safe to delta?

Corporal Wyatt: They sure did. Brian was screaming things like so much fodder to kill so little time, he is a psycho but a good one at that even though the woman of the lakay corporation don't really like him.

Wyatt's eyes twinkled as he leaned toward Richard.

Corporal Wyatt: They sure as hell like you though Richard, your just way too cute like a red panda or something

Richard was awkwardly scratching his head.

Pvt Richard: (with thought) Eh... don't think so, I'm not very attractive in my opinion, or even cute.

Richard stopped and thought one last strong attribute of his

Pvt Richard: I'm... I'm a warrior!

Hui-Jin chimed in from across the room, smiling.

Spec hui-jin: (in mandarin) You sure are Richard, you sure are.

Pvt Richard: Thank you, hui-jin. Heard you were dominating the ground troops at the destroyed side of the base.

spec hui-jin: (in mandarin) yup I was destroying them. The trinity soldiers are like bugs to me, too easy but what fun is ending their pathetic selves.

Lt Donald: That's how the news goes. Anyway, we better go get geared up for this mission. It's going to be mayhem, so we better be ready, by now the trinity must have already sent a lot of their soldiers to guard the satellite command tower as a precaution.

Pvt Richard: Your right lieutenant. let's go and get geared up then.

Spec Beatrice: yeah, let's do that.

They had all went to their specific armouries to get ready.

A few moments later captain James had arrived.

Capt James: Alright everyone, I have returned. I would like for all of you to come meet me in the living room for a briefing.

They assembled quickly, each member of the team falling into place. The room hummed with anticipation as James began to speak.

Capt James: This is what we going do, our team will have to split up in groups. We will have Takeda, Nikolas, hui-jin, Wyatt, jasmine, Alice and our prisoner rose velvet in one, she is pretty calm now. Private Richard, you're with me, Sergeant Thomas, Lieutenant Donald, specialist Tatsumaki, Beatrice, Chizuru, Akemi, and Henry Kruger. Henry and rose will be joining us shortly so sit tight.

There was a ripple of surprise through the room. The prisoners were being brought into the mission itself. A few raised eyebrows, but no objections. This was war, and they needed every advantage they could get.

Capt James: Since the trinity might have already sent tons of guards, over there. We need to go in guns blazing, so the corporals' squad will infiltrate the base next to the tower to disable its shields. Once those shields are down, we shall move in.

Corporal Wyatt: Understood sir, if there is any information that could be of use somewhere in that base, can I get permission to look at them?

Capt James: Sure, thing but remember time is essence.

Just then, the door opened, and two golden-armored marines strode in, leading the prisoners. Rose Velvet walked calmly, but her eyes remained cold and calculating. Henry Kruger followed close behind, his demeanor neutral, though he carried an air of determination. Around each of their necks were bomb collars, a visible reminder of the consequences if they stepped out of line.

One of the golden marines stepped forward, holding a remote.

Golden marine ??: Captain James, here we have the two prisoners. They have a bomb attached to each of their necks, if they start to act up press this button on this remote and they will be out of commission, is that understood?

Capt James: Understood, marines.

He turned to see the two prisoners.

Capt James: Hello there, nice to meet you rose and you also henry. I hope we won't be needing to use these remotes any time soon.

Henry nodded curtly.

Henry: You won't. We're here to help.

Rose, her voice soft but resolute, added.

Rose: You've treated us with dignity. So, We'll hold up our end of the deal.

James took a moment to assess them before turning back to his team.

Capt James: Good. Now, Mount up. Were moving out in ten.

Part 2:

The rumble of engines echoed through the hidden tunnels as the convoy sped westward. Inside, tension hung thick in the air. The marines, bracing for battle, exchanged glances, each one aware that this mission could be their last. Private Richard leaned against the side of the vehicle; eyes focused ahead. His mind was already racing toward the task that lay ahead—the satellite command tower.

After some time, they emerged into a vast dome concealed beneath the earth, a massive structure seemingly untouched by time. Nature had reclaimed parts of the area, with vines and moss climbing over stone ruins, but in the middle stood their target—a towering behemoth of metal and steel, its dark surface illuminated by glowing energy barriers. To the side of the tower was a smaller base, its layout stark and cold.

Capt James: Alright everyone, you know the plan we will split up right about here grapple towards the trees with your wghg gear and scout the base first before attacking. Richard, since you've got the gauntlet that is powerful, I'll leave you to destroy the core once the shield is down. Is that understood?

Pvt Richard: I'll go first then. Actually wait, since we got all the teams and non-ranked marine teams. Why don't I just blow a hole into the gate and we go in guns blazing. I mean we got no point in going stealthy, especially with the number of marines that are currently here.

James paused for a moment, then grinned.

Capt James: Good point. Richard blow that gate down for us, so we can end this shit once and for all.

Pvt James: you got it sir.

Richard nodded, stepping forward. But before he could move, Sergeant Thomas approached, holding a small container.

Sergeant Thomas: Richard before you do that, can you put some of your gauntlets Ki inside of this container, so I can give it to the officer's back at HQ to run some test on it?

Pvt Richard: sure thing.

Richard had then placed his power into the container and it was sent away, Richard turned to the gate and stood right in front of it and swung his fist so hard it made a high-pressure wave breaking the gate down. The shockwave shattered the metal gates into pieces, sending debris flying in every direction.

Capt James: Let's go, marines! Move in!

The air exploded with gunfire as every marine charged forward, grappling into the trees or sliding across the ground, dodging enemy fire. The soldiers from the Lakay Corps moved as one, their training kicking in as they took down guards with precision shots and close-quarter slashes. Richard was a force to be reckoned with, blasting through walls and mowing down enemy troops as if they were nothing.

Corporal Wyatt and his squad broke off, heading towards the smaller base. Richard, James, Donald, and the prisoners rushed toward the tower. Richard grappled to the side of the tower, punching a hole in the wall as he created an entrance for himself. Inside, guards poured in to stop him, but it was futile. He shot at them while dashing upwards, smashing through floors like paper. He found the first reactor quickly, slamming his gauntlet into it and blowing it apart. He smiled and kept dashing upwards to find the other ones, apparently, they were four he had found one of them and then he found the other one, and once again he did the same destroying it and killing marines while doing so. then he found where the core is.

Pvt Richard: so that's where the core is huh, well once I destroy the reactors maybe I can destroy it without the shield needing to be shut down.

He destroyed the fourth reactor in a blaze of fire and smoke. Now, there was nothing stopping him from reaching the core. Sliding down the glass tower, he landed with a thud at the bottom floor, where the massive core pulsated with energy. Its bright red glow filled the room, casting eerie shadows across the walls.

At the bottom

The captain and the lieutenant and sergeant and henry were in a huge compound firefight they had to scream at each other, why you may ask, because of the gun fire was just too loud.

Lt Donald: AHH! JAMES THIS PLACE IS GETTING BAD! BUT WE STILL GOT PLENTY MARINES TO KILL AND A LOT OF REINFORCMENTS THAT WE CAN CALL!

CAPT JAMES: YEAH, I HEAR YOU!

While they moved to different places, a soldier with a high velocity rocket launcher shot the rocket right towards James. while this was happening, his leg was shoot off by a .50 caliver sniper, and he fell screaming in pain. The sergeant and the lieutenant were far away from him but henry wasn't, he ran towards the captain picking him up and shoot the rocket that closing in on them with his hand gun exploding it mid-air and the sniper around the area was mysteriously dead. Nobody saw who shot him but it sounded like it came from henry's direction. Is he secretly a power wielder?

He hid behind crates with his undercover armour so they don't find out that he actually lived and survived the explosion back at the trinity compound where base phobos was located at.

Henry: Hold on, dude I'll castrate your wound with this gun powder and this match.

Capt James: AHHh! Alright do it fast AGHH!

He took out the gunpowder and placed it on what's left of his leg and lit the match and placed on the gunpowder on the wound, it was working. It was burning the nerves so he doesn't feel any more pain, then the bleeding stopped. He tightly tied a string of rope on his leg. He then left the captain with the other marines and he went back into the firefight.

Capt John: Here henry! Take this healing cigar, it should help with the regeneration of your lost muscles and bones missing from your leg.

Capt James: Thank you so much for bringing those along!

Shouted James as he hit the blunt, with such relief and hope in his eyes.

Back to Richards point of view.

Pvt James: Alright core! THIS IS YOUR END!

He dashed towards the core and just as he was about to touch the core. The admiral had arrived and he uppercutted Richard upwards, he flew all the way up to the 10th floor and within this tower there was a total of 25 floors. Richard mouth was bleeding and he spat the blood out and laughed then the admiral had already ascended to the 10th floor through the hole where Richard just came from and his green aura glowed brighter than before illuminating the tenth floor with such anger.

Admiral Kenneth: Hello, Richard. Long time no see. It's been what, a week since we last crossed paths? I've been waiting for this rematch. This time, I'm not holding back. I'm going to kill you, and once I'm done, the Lakay Corps will be nothing more than a memory. So, don't disappoint me.

Richard wiped the blood from his mouth and chuckled, the fire in his eyes growing brighter. He slowly stood up, his gauntlet crackling with energy.

Pvt Richard: Sure, thing mister trinity admiral. I'll take your word for it, how about instead talking about killin. I just beat my will straight through your heart and brain using my fists!

Admiral Kenneth: HA! Sure thing! May the best ambition become true justice! Only one shall stand at the top of the pyramid with the strongest ideology. And that for sure is going to be. ME!

With that, the two lunged at each other, the clash of their powers sending shockwaves through the tower. Richard threw a punch, but Kenneth was fast, dodging and countering with a knee to Richard's gut. The impact made Richard's vision blur for a moment, but he fought through the pain and swung again, this time connecting with Kenneth's ribs.

Kenneth grunted, but quickly recovered, landing a sharp elbow strike to Richard's face. Blood splattered across the floor as the fight escalated. They moved at incredible speeds, trading blow after blow, each strike more vicious than the last.

Part 3

The corporal squad had arrived to the other base, they heard the gate go down so they knew it was their time to shine.

Corporal Wyatt: Takeda, cut down that gate! That's an order, soldier.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Yes, sir!

Takeda, ever the flame-wielder, sent a massive, flaming projectile toward the base's gate. The fire slash cut through the heavy metal like a hot knife through butter, and in the next second, Takeda and the other marines surged forward, weapons blazing.

Corporal Wyatt: Alice and jasmine come with me. We're going to the secondary base alright. Takeda I'll leave the shield to you, Nickolas and rose to deal with.

Spec takeda: (in Japanese) you got it sir!

Takeda turned to Nikolas, with fire in his eyes.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Let's go Nikolas, the shield controls are in the middle!

The two soldiers grappled toward the base, dodging the hail of bullets with fluid precision. As they reached the center of the compound, Takeda unleashed hell, his body igniting to over 1500 degrees as he crashed into a squad of enemy marines. The heat was so intense that the soldiers barely had time to scream before their bodies began to melt into unrecognizable puddles.

Nikolas, meanwhile, was a whirlwind of death, his shots precise and merciless. One after another, enemy soldiers fell, heads exploding as his bullets found their mark. Rose held the rear, guarding the entrance with the other Lakay marines, ensuring no one could follow.

Just as Takeda and Nikolas reached the shield controls, disaster struck. Takeda's hand, mid-motion to deactivate the shield, was suddenly frozen solid.

Standing in the middle of the room was a man in thick, reinforced armor, his helmet resembling that of a football player, but far more sinister.

First officer jack: My name is First officer jack frost! And for trespassing into my domain. You shall all die, frozen in time because of being foolish.

Takeda's flames flared as he broke free from the ice, exchanging a quick glance with Nikolas.

Spec takeda: (in Japanese) Get ready.

Without hesitation, Takeda lunged forward, his fists ablaze, but frost was fast. Ice coated his hands, and he blocked every strike with ease, his movements cold and calculated. With a flash of blue, frost conjured a sword of ice in one hand and a dagger in the other, his cold eyes locked on Takeda.

Takeda responded by drawing his two katanas, their edges glowing with divine heat. He swung fiercely, but frost was ready, raising a thick ice shield that seemed impervious even to the god-forged blade and even the replicate one. The clash of fire and ice filled the room as sparks flew.

Frost countered with an ice axe, swinging it with brutal force. Takeda barely managed to block the first strike, but frost second swing caught him off guard, hacking off part of his ear. The pain was sharp and immediate, but Takeda gritted his teeth and retaliated with a flaming axe kick. The force of the blow sent frost staggering back, but the ice warrior quickly recovered, forming an even larger ice shield to block Takeda's incoming fireballs.

Takeda's Ki burned hotter as he controlled the trajectory of his attacks, making the fireballs curve around the ice wall. Frost anticipated this and raised his guard, but Takeda had already disappeared from sight. With a swift move, Takeda appeared behind frost, slashing at his back with one of his katanas. The ice officer grunted in pain as the blade bit deep into his armor.

Enraged, the first officer turned around and hardened his hands former thick MMA style gloves made of ice. With a roar. he back handed Takeda with force sending him into the next room. Takeda struggled to his feet, charging himself up and he went with his signature flaming attacks, he moved forwards towards jack hitting him with fire ki to his face and then his favorite flaming wind mill punches to his chest he started to put the beating on the officer by mixing in the knees and his other favorite attack known as the flaming dragon kick.

The first officer growing furious stopped the one of Takeda's kicks and stabbed him in his side with his dagger, before slashing his chest open with an ice axe, exposing raw muscle. Takeda's body screamed in agony, but he pressed on.

First Officer Jack: Frost Beam, negative 1000 degrees.

With a cruel smirk, frost unleashed a freezing beam of energy from his palms. The intense cold was unstoppable. Marines nearby were instantly frozen solid, their bodies exploding into ice shards from the extreme temperature. Takeda watched in horror as one of the beams hit the roof above Rose. The metal structure, now frozen solid, began to collapse.

Before the rubble could crush her, Nikolas dove forward, shoving Rose out of harm's way. But he wasn't fast enough to save himself. The metal debris crashed down on him, impaling him with jagged icicles. Blood poured from his wounds, and he lay pinned under the rubble, gasping for breath.

Takeda rushed to his friend, but frost intercepted him, headbutting him with his ice-enforced helmet, shattering Takeda's forehead. frost seized the moment, freezing Takeda's left arm and smashing it to pieces before hacking off his right leg with an ice axe. He kicked Takeda into the wall, leaving him barely conscious and bleeding out. Takeda was now at forty percent of his power and durability, as his body just took insane amounts of damage his power was depleted to keep him alive and is currently pretty much in survival mode for kind of underestimating the icy man and his power.

First officer jack: You should be grateful that I've let you live for this long, child of the sun. What are you going to do now? You've lost a hand, and a leg. Will you really keep using your body with only those limbs left of yours now? Pathetic.

Takeda, dazed and in shock, looked over at Nikolas, who was still struggling beneath the rubble.

In a desperate attempt Nikolas reached his hand out and accidentally sliced his palm on a shard of medal, blood dripped from his palm. All of a sudden, his left hand that was cut open released sparks while Nikolas was on the floor, he remembered something that old man Marcus dragic said; "Those who stood in that ancient tunnel where the sunlight shines will get a gift from the gods" and then.

A sudden surge of power filled Nikolas's body. Lightning struck from above, shattering the rubble and blowing apart the top layer of the base. When the smoke cleared, Nikolas stood amidst the wreckage, his body crackling with electricity. Blood still dripped from his wounds, but he was far from beaten.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) What in the world... Nikolas, what happened to you?

Nikolas, now imbued with divine electricity, gave a fierce smile, his partially-destroyed mask revealing his mouth as arcs of energy danced around his body.

Spec Nickolas: A gift... from the gods.

Takeda, though battered and broken, summoned the last of his strength. He stood, picking up his true god-forged katana, its edge glowing with a renewed, divine fire. The replica was half way across the building.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) I'm not done yet...

Nikolas, stood forward, ready for the final battle against the ice-wielding officer, Jack Frost.

First Officer Jack: No matter what divine powers you think you possess; you are nothing against the cold. I will freeze your hopes, just as I shall freeze your bodies!

Nikolas's lightning surged and charged at frost for one final clash that would shake the very foundation of the battlefield.

Part 4:

Richard dashed forward, fist raised, meeting Kenneth's strike head-on. Both men's punches collided with each other's faces, the shockwave from their clash rippling through the air. They staggered backward, each tasting the sting of battle. Then, grinning through their bruises, they re-engaged, throwing ki blasts in rapid succession. The green and blue energy beams clashed in mid-air, exploding in bright bursts of light that singed the earth beneath their feet.

After a volley of ranged attacks, they closed the distance, trading blows in quick succession. Richard was already familiar with Kenneth's preferred strikes—he had studied the admiral long enough to understand his rhythms. So, when the moment came, Richard ducked under Kenneth's next attack, his body twisting like a coiled spring. With precision, he unleashed a devastating uppercut that connected with Kenneth's chin, sending him stumbling backward. Blood trickled from Kenneth's mouth.

Admiral Kenneth: nice upper, but I got something else.

Kenneth's aura flared violently, his green energy swirling around him like a hurricane. The intensity of his power spiked from 5 percent to 20 in an instant, and before Richard could fully react, Kenneth vanished in a blur of speed. He reappeared all around Richard, delivering punishing blows from every direction. Fists and kicks rained down on Richard, faster than he could block.

But Richard's eyes narrowed as he began to study the pattern. He braced himself for the next hit, purposely taking a strike to his ribs. The moment Kenneth committed to the blow, Richard acted. In a flash, he stepped in close, his fist inches from Kenneth's torso. Richard's hand moved only a single inch—but it was all he needed.

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Pvt Richard: One-inch punch of order!

The impact was devastating. The force sent Kenneth skidding backward, coughing blood. He clutched his stomach, his expression grim, but still, he smiled.

Admiral Kenneth: Not bad. But this fight is far from over.

Kenneth's hand shimmered with energy as he summoned his green ki blade, the weapon extending from his right hand like an ethereal sword. Without hesitation, he dashed toward Richard, swinging the blade with lethal precision. Richard barely managed to dodge, but not without cost—his left pinkie and index fingers were sliced clean off.

Pvt. Richard: Gah!!

The searing pain momentarily overwhelmed him, but Richard bit through it, rolling to the side and countering with a rapid series of accelerated punches. His fists became a blur as he unleashed a flurry of strikes at 10 percent power, enough to sting Kenneth and force him back. But Kenneth, far more experienced, adapted quickly. He spun low, avoiding Richard's next attack and tackled him to the ground.

Once grounded, Kenneth didn't waste time. He mounted Richard and began hammering him with brutal, bone-crunching blows. The admiral's fists found every weak point in Richard's defense, pounding him relentlessly.

Admiral Kenneth: Nature Valley Fist!

Each punch targeted a pressure point, amplifying the pain. Richard groaned, his vision blurring from the beating. He could feel his strength ebbing away, but he wasn't ready to give up. Gathering all his remaining energy, Richard forced his body to reach 60 percent power, his muscles bulging with the effort as he reached his max power.

He caught the next swing of Kenneth's ki blade with his bare hand. Blood poured from the wound, but he held the blade firm, using all his might to keep it at bay. With a quick pivot, Richard delivered a powerful jab to Kenneth's face. In his mind, he imagined Kenneth's skull fracturing under the force of the blow. When his fist connected, it felt like it almost did.

Kenneth staggered back, blood gushing from his nose. But before he could recover, Richard appeared behind him in a flash of speed, delivering two precise strikes to the admiral's midsection. Kenneth doubled over, coughing up blood. Richard followed up with a vicious karate chop to the back of his head, driving him into the ground with such force that the earth cracked beneath the tower and around the dome.

Kenneth groaned as he stood up, wiping the blood from his mouth.

Admiral Kenneth: You little shit Richard, imma give you an ass whooping you'll never forget in your entire useless life.

Kenneth's power skyrocketed as his green aura intensified, jumping from 20 to 65 percent. The pressure in the air became suffocating as his power surged beyond Richard's.

Pvt Richard: Oh damn, his power's way beyond my 60 percent now... it feels like if I was to go hundred percent or even higher.

Kenneth moved faster than before, his speed now just out of Richard's reach. The two warriors clashed again, their fists and ki blasts lighting up the battlefield. Richard struggled to keep up, barely blocking Kenneth's strikes. But they were familiar with each other's styles, and for a while, they fought evenly, trading blows and dodging attacks with near-perfect synchronicity.

Until one of Kenneth's ki blasts caught Richard off guard. The blast hit him square in the chest, sending him reeling. Kenneth seized the moment, rushing in and delivering a brutal left hook that broke Richard's arm with a sickening crunch. Richard screamed, his power fading as his body wobbled under the intense pain.

Kenneth wasted no time. He slammed Richard into the ground and unleashed his signature move.

Admiral Kenneth: Green Light Beam x20!

A blinding green beam of energy erupted from Kenneth's hands, blasting Richard across the battlefield and smashing him into a boulder near the dome's wall. The impact cracked the rock, leaving Richard slumped at its base, barely conscious. Blood dripped from his mouth, his broken arm hanging limply at his side.

Kenneth appeared in front of him, his expression cold and merciless. He stomped down on Richard's shattered left hand, eliciting a howl of pain from the marine.

Admiral Kenneth: It looks like that gauntlet was a fraud all along and it isn't even the real thing I thought of at first. Oh well, bad luck for you because now it's time for your execution.

Kenneth summoned his ki blade again, the green energy flickering dangerously as he advanced toward Richard.

Admiral Kenneth: well Richard, it has been lots of fun.

As he raised the blade for the final blow, Richard's mind drifted, slipping into the dark void between consciousness and oblivion.

???: Richard don't lose now, you are young fella rise up again and defeat this young man, he doubts you and he also is doubting the power of the rashidi gauntlet. Use this same pain you feel and your determination. Rise back up and win. If not for yourself, do it for the others who thank you for you being here today with them.

Richard's eyes snapped open.

Pvt Richard: You're right... I can't lose... not yet.

As Kenneth's blade descended, Richard's body surged with blue energy. His aura flared, a bright sapphire blue light that enveloped him. He rose to his feet, his muscles relaxed, his mind clear. His broken arm began to heal before Kenneth's eyes, the bones realigning and the flesh mending. Richard took a long, deep breath, feeling a newfound strength course through him.

Kenneth swung his blade, but Richard was faster. In the blink of an eye, Richard launched a series of invisible punches. The strikes were too fast for Kenneth to see, but the damage was immediate. Each punch slammed into Kenneth's body, breaking his defenses and even shattering his energy shield.

Kenneth gasped in pain, staggering backward. His eyes were wide with shock. How had Richard become so powerful so quickly?

The blue light around Richard dimmed, leaving him with his normal blue aura—but now, something was different. His gauntlet had changed. A silver bar had appeared along the left side of his right hand, representing the first true stage of the gauntlet's awakening.

Richard opened his eyes, and for a moment, they glowed with a brilliant sparkle. He stared down at Kenneth, his newfound power surging within him. This battle wasn't over—it had only just begun.

Richard's newfound energy stabilized as his broken hand flexed, the silver bar gleaming on his gauntlet. Kenneth, breathing heavily, gripped his side as the pain radiated through his torso from the unseen barrage of blows.

Admiral Kenneth: How in the hell...?

Before he could finish the sentence, Richard was on him again, his movements faster than Kenneth could follow. Richard's fist connected with Kenneth's jaw, sending him tumbling backward through the air. But Richard wasn't done. He disappeared and reappeared in front of the flying admiral, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to his ribs, cracking them with the sheer force of the blow.

Kenneth landed hard, coughing up blood, but he wasn't going to give up that easily. With a growl of determination, he pushed his power to 75 percent, his green aura flaring wildly.

Admiral Kenneth: I don't care how strong you've gotten... I'm still going to break you!

Kenneth charged at Richard, swinging his ki blade with vicious intent. But Richard, now fully attuned to the gauntlet's power, danced around each strike with ease. His movements were fluid, graceful, as if he was able to see the punches even before Kenneth threw them. Richard landed a right hook and knee to his face staggering the admiral, finishing this off he threw an inside low kick to the right calf on his leg.

Kenneth was in pain and Richard was shining bright with his new found strength.

Pvt Richard: I don't know how exactly this happened, but one thing is for certain. I'm going to be the one to place my ideology into that messed up mindset of yours.

Part 5

Corporal Wyatt turned to Alice and Jasmine; his expression determined as explosions rocked the battlefield behind them.

Corporal Wyatt: Alice, Jasmine—stay here with these marines. Protect the tower at all costs. I'm going to the other base to gather the intel we need.

Alice and Jasmine: YES, SIR!

The ground trembled beneath their feet as enemy reinforcements charged from the horizon. Alice and Jasmine, their postures resolute, stood ready alongside three platoons of battle-hardened marines. The battlefield around them crackled with energy, artillery shells streaking through the sky, and the sound of blaster fire filled the air as they fended off wave after wave of incoming Trinity soldiers.

Wyatt grappled toward the smaller tower in the distance, the sound of wind rushing past his ears. His form was a blur of motion as he swung beside a window, shattering it with a powerful kick. Glass cascaded inward as he dropped into the base, his landing silent and precise. The shadows cloaked him as he stalked forward, his sharp eyes scanning for enemy patrols.

The hum of security droids echoed in the hallway, followed by the clanking of armored boots. Wyatt slipped behind a corner, his body tense as the droids passed by. His hand hovered over his blade, ready for the inevitable confrontation.

back in the building, Spec Nikolas stood tall, his armor battered but his spirit unbroken. Lightning crackled across his body, the raw power of his thunderous energy rippling outward.

Spec Nikolas: Let's finish this, Jack!

The air sparked with electricity as Nikolas launched himself toward the First Officer, his fist charged with thunder. His knuckles collided with Jack's hardened ice armor, the impact stunning the officer for a moment. Jack staggered; his eyes wide with surprise. Nikolas grinned, knowing he had only seconds before Jack retaliated. Takeda saw the opening and moved in, his blade flashing with deadly precision as he aimed for Jack's legs.

But Jack wasn't so easily bested. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured an enormous ice platform beneath him, the surface shimmering in the cold. From the ice, monstrous hands formed, their icy fingers lashing out to grab Nikolas, slamming him into the frozen ground. Nikolas grunted in pain as the ice wrapped around him, pinning him down.

Spec Nikolas: Not today!

With a roar, Nikolas unleashed a surge of electric energy, shattering the icy hands. He sprang to his feet, charging his body with raw power. His next move was decisive. Lightning coiled around his legs as he dashed toward Jack, delivering a series of rapid punches and a spinning lightning kick that sent shockwaves through the battlefield. Jack screamed as the electricity coursed through his body, but he quickly encased himself in his ultimate defense—Unbreakable Form, his ice armor hardening to 100 percent of his true power.

Jack charged at Nikolas, his hulking form crashing forward like an unstoppable glacier. Nikolas threw everything he had into his punches, but each blow bounced off Jack's impenetrable armor. It was like striking solid steel.

Spec Nikolas: Damn... that armor's tough.

The First Officer's retaliatory hammer strike came with brutal force, smashing into Nikolas' chest. The ground cracked beneath them from the impact, and Nikolas coughed up blood. Jack showed no mercy, following up with devastating kicks and punches, each hit crunching against Nikolas' already damaged armor.

Nikolas staggered but refused to fall, his warrior's spirit burning bright. As Jack moved in for the finishing blow, Nikolas' eyes locked onto a tiny crack in the ice.

Spec Nikolas: That's it.

He poured all his remaining strength into his left fist, lightning dancing around his arm. His punch landed square on Jack's face, and with a thunderous roar, the ice protecting his head shattered. Jack reeled back, stunned by the sudden damage.

Seizing the moment, Nikolas pulled out his sword and slashed three times at Jack's torso. The strikes were clean, but the hardened ice absorbed most of the force. Nikolas gritted his teeth as his titanium sword shattered against Jack's defenses. Jack responded in kind, delivering a bone-shattering punch to Nikolas' stomach.

Nikolas gasped, blood spurting from his mouth. His vision blurred, and his legs buckled under him as he was driven back by a barrage of ice spears. The sharp icicles pinned him against a wall, and frost began to creep over his body, freezing him in place.

But just as the cold began to overtake him, flames roared to life.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) I'm not done yet!

Takeda's body burned at 300 degrees Celsius, his heat searing through the ice and melting it off Nikolas. He rose to his feet, determination in his eyes. His severed arm and leg were back but in the form of flames making the shape of them.

Takeda grappled toward Jack, his blades glowing with fiery heat. He ramped up to 35 percent of his full power, the air around him shimmering with the intensity of his flames. With a fierce battle cry, Takeda unleashed his signature move—Dragon Fang—a strike designed to cut through even the toughest defenses. His blade connected with Jack's shoulder, slicing deep into the ice armor.

Jack's armor reformed instantly, but Takeda didn't relent. He swung again and again, each strike aimed at Jack's vital points, but the First Officer blocked most of them, delivering punishing blows of his own. Each punch from Jack's ice-covered fists felt like getting hit by a freight train, but Takeda fought through the pain.

When Jack lowered his guard, Takeda struck fast and hard, his katana now at 500 degrees Celsius. His blade sliced through the air, cutting a searing line across Jack's left eye. The First Officer howled in agony as the eye was burned shut, a deep scar forming.

Spec Takeda: (in Japanese) Got you now!

Takeda gripped his katana between his teeth, leaping forward and slashing at Jack's arm. With a clean cut, he severed Jack's hand. The First Officer roared in pain as Takeda followed up with a one-inch punch, heated by his flames, that sent Jack flying backward.

From above, a thunderous voice echoed across the battlefield.

Spec Nikolas: TAKEDA, IT'S TIME TO END THIS!

Meanwhile, Richard's Battle with Admiral Kenneth Intensifies.

Richard's new stage of the gauntlet pulsed with energy, the silver bar along his right hand glowing brightly along the silver and gold metal. He locked eyes with Kenneth, his expression cold and focused. With a burst of speed, Richard dashed behind the admiral, delivering a crushing left punch, the Truth Seeker, to his opponent's face. Kenneth's nose shattered on impact, blood spurting as he stumbled back.

Admiral Kenneth: You think that'll stop me?

Kenneth roared, his green aura flaring as he powered up to 100 percent. The ground beneath him cracked as his energy surged, but Richard stood his ground, his fists clenched.

Pvt Richard: Bring it.

They collided in mid-air, their fists meeting with such force that shockwaves rippled outward, uprooting trees and shattering rocks. For every blow Richard landed, Kenneth countered with one of equal strength. Their speed blurred the battlefield, both warriors disappearing and reappearing in rapid succession as they exchanged deadly strikes.

Kenneth grinned as he landed a devastating blow to Richard's ribs, sending him flying back. But Richard countered almost instantly, catching the admiral off-guard with a precise elbow strike to his temple, cutting a deep gash across Kenneth's face.

Admiral Kenneth: (furious) That's ENOUGH!

Kenneth unleashed his full power even higher, his green aura now a towering inferno of raw energy. But as they clashed again, it became clear—Kenneth's power was immense, but Richard's gauntlet had reached a new level, overwhelming the admiral's defenses. Kenneth's armor crumbled away, revealing only his black under-suit.

Richard knew his time was running out. His power was fading as his adrenaline was also leaving his body, but he had one final plan. With a defiant shout, he unleashed a flurry of rapid punches, each strike perfectly aimed at Kenneth's pressure points. The admiral grunted in pain, his aura flickering as Richard pushed him to his limits. Kenneth never had been pushed this far in his entire life other than the general and the governor himself making him go through it.

Back to Nickolas and Takeda's battle.

First Officer Jack: Impossible...

Nikolas, despite his injuries, thunder-kicked Jack in the face. He called to Takeda, charging his hand with electrical energy.

Spec Nikolas: TAKEDA, NOW! GET ON MY HAND!

Takeda didn't hesitate. He leaped onto Nikolas' hand, and with a surge of speed, Nikolas hurled him toward Jack. Takeda's blade burned like the sun as he shouted one of his ultimate techniques:

Takeda's body ignited like a dragon engulfed in flames, his sword glowing with a fiery intensity that seemed to draw the very heat from the atmosphere. As he flew toward Jack, he became a streak of burning light, twisting through the air like a dragon on the hunt.

Spec Takeda: TWIRL OF THE SUN GODDESS—ONE WAY DRAGON STRIKE!

His blade, now an extension of his will, slashed with such speed and precision that Jack's hardened ice armor seemed to slow in response. For a moment, the world stood still. The burning sword made contact with Jack's waist, cutting clean through his armor and bisecting his body in one powerful strike. A shockwave exploded outward from the point of impact, the sheer force splitting the ground beneath them and sending debris flying in all directions.

Jack's voice was barely audible as his torso separated from his lower half, both pieces frozen in place. His expression was one of disbelief, his eyes wide as his body began to fall apart.

Takeda, exhausted from the monumental effort, collapsed to the frozen ground, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath. The flames around his body flickered and then dimmed, leaving only the glow of his sword embedded in the ground beside him. His vision blurred as he looked around, seeing Nikolas' unconscious body slumped against a wall, and Rose Velvet cradling him gently, her eyes filled with both relief and concern.

Rose's smile was a beacon of warmth amidst the battlefield's cold chaos. She held Nikolas close, whispering softly to the man that saved her as she brushed strands of his hair away from his broken mask which revealed only a fraction of his face.

Pvt Rose: You did it, Nikolas... you really did it.

Takeda let out a tired laugh, his eyes closing as the adrenaline began to leave his body. His remaining limbs felt heavy, and for a moment, he let himself sink into the frozen earth, grateful that the fight—at least for now—was over.

But Jack wasn't finished yet.

First Officer Jack: You... you think this makes a difference?

His voice was weak, but his will was unbroken. As his body crumbled, his eyes burned with rage.

First officer jack: When the general returns from his mission, and when the Governor awakens again... all of you Lakay fools will see the full might of our leaders! Your victory today means nothing!

With those final words, Jack's body froze to the ground, becoming an icy statue as the remnants of his life force faded. His once-mighty presence, reduced to an immobile, frozen relic of the battle.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Donald stood atop a ridge, watching as the Trinity troops began to fall back in retreat. The sounds of combat were dying down, the ground littered with debris, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and burning machinery. Donald's brow furrowed, his mind racing with questions.

Lt Donald: Why are they retreating? Something's off.

He activated his comms, trying to reach his team.

Lt Donald: Beatrice, Tatsumaki, Chizuru—what's your status?

Spec Beatrice: Lieutenant, it looks like Richard's giving Admiral Kenneth a serious beating.

Donald chuckled, shaking his head.

Lt Donald: That young man... he never fails to amaze me.

The lieutenant was surrounded by trinity troops but this didn't faze him at all as he quickly took out his semi-automatic burst rifle and made quick work of them.

Back to Richard and Admiral Kenneth, Richard, his gauntlet now dimming, faced down Admiral Kenneth, whose aura flickered in and out of existence like a dying flame. The once-proud admiral's armor had been reduced to tatters, only his black under-suit remaining as a testament to the ferocity of their battle. Both warriors were bruised, bloodied, and exhausted, but Richard knew he had one last move to make before his power faded completely.

He turned his gaze toward the towering structure of the satellite command tower. Kenneth's greatest weapon, the most dangerous machine the Trinity had at their disposal as of now. It needed to be destroyed quickly before any more use of it.

With a deep breath, Richard activated the last reserves of his gauntlet's power, aiming his left hand toward the tower. A massive surge of energy burst forth from his gauntlet, striking the tower's core. The explosion that followed shook the earth itself, the once-mighty satellite command tower crumbling into a heap of twisted metal and shattered machinery.

Kenneth's eyes widened in horror as his prized weapon—the machine that had given him and his forces a terrifying advantage—was reduced to rubble. How where they gonna dig for the gems now?

Admiral Kenneth: YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THAT!

In a wild, desperate fury, Kenneth charged at Richard like a berserker, his fists swinging wildly. His movements were sloppy, uncoordinated—nothing like the precise, disciplined admiral Richard had fought moments ago. But in his rage, Kenneth had made the fatal mistake of leaving himself wide open.

Pvt Richard: Your time is up, Admiral.

With calm precision, Richard sidestepped Kenneth's reckless attack and countered with a devastating kick to the admiral's left leg. The bone snapped with a sickening crack, and Kenneth howled in pain as he collapsed to the ground, his leg bent at an unnatural angle.

Richard didn't stop there. He delivered two brutal hooks to Kenneth's face, dazing him. In the same motion, Richard threw two ki blasts into the air, which looped around and slammed into Kenneth's back, staggering him further.

Pvt Richard: You're done.

Kenneth, still struggling to stand on his shattered leg, tried one last desperate swing, but Richard was already prepared. The second pair of ki blasts, having circled back, struck Kenneth's back again, sending him stumbling forward, off balance and vulnerable.

Seizing the moment, Richard dashed forward, his expression calm and focused. He spoke softly, almost as if speaking to a defeated opponent was just another day's work.

Pvt Richard: This is it, Admiral. From here on out, you're a Lakay prisoner.

With that, Richard unleashed his finishing move, a technique he had honed for this exact moment as he just recently made it—Order in the Council: Accelerated. His punch struck Kenneth's abdomen with such precision and force that the impact created a visible shockwave, his fist driving deep into the admiral's gut. For a split second, Richard could see the anatomy of Kenneth's internal organs within the imagination he possessed—a gruesome visualization of his guts being ruptured by the force.

Kenneth's eyes rolled back; his mouth open in a silent scream as blood poured from his mouth. He was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree, his body crumpling to the ground like a ragdoll.

But Richard wasn't done yet. As Kenneth's body lay twitching, Richard felt the immense, uncontrollable power of the admiral's aura leaking out into the battlefield as it came out of his body. It was wild, unchained, and could easily spiral out of control if left unchecked.

Pvt Richard: Not on my watch!

With the last of his strength, Richard forced himself to his feet, his gauntlet glowing faintly. He reached out and began to press down on Kenneth's escaping power, his own energy flickering dangerously low. It felt like holding back a tidal wave with bare hands—the raw power swelled in his grasp, growing larger, more volatile.

Pvt Richard: I won't let this destroy the surroundings!

With a roar, Richard poured all his remaining power into suppressing the admiral's aura, his gauntlet pressing hard onto the admirals ki. For what felt like an eternity, he struggled against the wild energy, his vision fading at the edges as exhaustion overtook him. But with one final push, Richard crushed the power, snuffing it out completely.

As the battlefield grew quiet, Richard's legs finally gave out. He collapsed onto the grass, his body battered and broken, but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Pvt Richard: It's done...

His vision blurred as consciousness slipped away, but that smile remained. He had saved the team, destroyed the satellite command tower, and defeated one of Trinity's most dangerous leaders. That was all that mattered.

As the dust settled across the battlefield, the Lakay forces stood victorious, their enemies either retreating or lying defeated. The satellite command tower, once a looming threat, was now nothing more than a pile of wreckage. In the distance, Donald, Beatrice, and the others looked on, knowing that their battle had come to an end—at least for now. Beatrice hurried to get to Richard's location.

After part five:

Richard's body hit the ground with a heavy thud, the weight of exhaustion and his grievous injuries finally overwhelming him. Blood dripped from his lips, his vision blurred by the pain that surged through every nerve in his body. He had fought like a machine—no, more than that. He had fought like a warrior, pushing beyond his current limits to defeat Admiral Kenneth and take down the satellite command tower. But now, as the adrenaline faded, his broken body could no longer sustain itself.

It was Specialist Beatrice who found him first. The moment her eyes landed on Richard's collapsed form, she sprinted toward him, her heart pounding in her chest. Her medical scanner was out in an instant, the glowing device casting a soft light over Richard's pale, bloodied face.

The scanner beeped with alarming rapidity, the readings showing just how dire the situation was. Multiple internal injuries. Fractured bones. Blood loss.

Beatrice's eyes widened.

Spec Beatrice: Oh no... He's not gonna make it if we don't treat him now.

Her fingers flew over the scanner's interface as she pressed the comms device on her wrist.

Spec Beatrice: I've found Richard!

she yelled urgently; her voice filled with panic.

Spec Beatrice: Call in medical personnel! We need to save him, now!

In the distance, Lieutenant Donald responded through the comms, his voice firm but carrying a note of relief that Richard had been found.

Lt Donald: Sure thing, Beatrice. We're on it. Don't worry about the captain—his wounds have already regenerated thanks to that healing cigar. Focus on Richard for now.

Beatrice glanced briefly toward where Captain James had fallen during the battle, but indeed, he was already back on his feet, his injuries completely healed thanks to the rare regenerative properties of the cigar. The captain's survival was a relief, but right now, her priority was Richard. She couldn't lose him, not after everything they had been through today.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the destroyed base, Alice and Sergeant Jasmine had been dispatched to assist their injured comrades, Takeda and Nikolas. The two soldiers had been caught in the destruction of the satellite dome, and both were in critical condition.

When Alice and Jasmine reached them, they were shocked to find Rose Velvet—one of the prisoners with a bomb collar—already struggling to drag Takeda and Nikolas out of the building. Rose's face was smeared with dirt, her hands shaking from the effort and cold, but her determination was unwavering as she tried to pull them to safety along with carrying Takeda's heavy katanas.

Specialist Alice gasped at the sight.

Spec Alice: AHH! TAKEDA IS IN BAD SHAPE! JUST LIKE NIKOLAS!

Her voice cracked with a mix of fear and urgency. She knelt down beside Rose, quickly assessing the damage.

Takeda was barely conscious, his breathing shallow. Nikolas wasn't much better, his body limp in Rose's arms. Alice fought the rising panic in her chest and looked over to Jasmine, who had already started moving debris out of the way.

Sergeant Jasmine kept her voice steady, trying to calm Alice down.

Sergeant jasmine: Stay focused. Let's get them back outside. Rose, can you manage?

Rose nodded, her exhaustion evident, but her resolve unshaken.

Pvt rose: I've got them. Just... help me get them out of here.

Together, they worked quickly to pull Takeda and Nikolas free from the collapsed structure, careful not to worsen their injuries. The mission was over, but their work was far from done. Lives were still hanging in the balance.

As Beatrice continued to stabilize Richard and Alice helped Rose with the others, Sergeant Thomas was on a different mission. He had been searching the area for something—a critical piece of technology that had gone flying in the air during the battle. And after what felt like hours of searching through the wreckage, he finally found it: a high-power battery. Though the battery had been semi-damaged during the fight, Thomas's trained eye told him that it could still be repaired.

Satisfied with his find, Thomas moved further into the woods, away from the rubble. His scanner picked up faint life signs nearby, and as he approached, he spotted the figure of Admiral Kenneth—the very man who had led the enemy forces and brought chaos with the satellite.

The admiral was on the ground, his body broken and his once-mighty aura shattered. Blood trickled from the corner of Kenneth's mouth, his life force slowly fading. But even in this pitiful state, he still radiated a dangerous presence. The Sergeant knew the risks of getting too close, but this man needed to face justice for his crimes.

Without a word, Thomas did the unthinkable—he lifted the great admiral onto his back. Kenneth's blood spilled onto his armor, but Thomas didn't flinch. He turned back toward the base, carrying the defeated enemy leader with a grim determination.

As he emerged from the forest, he radioed to Lieutenant Donald.

Sergeant Thomas: Donald, I've got the admiral. He's alive, but barely. I'm taking him into custody. He's bound for Prison Fire Heart—somewhere in Canada.

Lt Donald was cautious, even in the wake of their victory.

Lt Donald: That sounds dangerous. Are you sure he doesn't still have any of his power left?

Thomas grunted, adjusting the admiral's weight on his back.

Sergeant Thomas: No. Whatever power he had; it's gone now. The young lad—Richard—destroyed it when he took him down. He's harmless now from what it seems like.

Donald sighed, nodding in acknowledgment even though Thomas couldn't see him.

Lt Donald: Alright. Just be careful. We don't need any surprises.

With that, Thomas made his way toward the newly arrived medical armored vehicles, where their wounded comrades were being treated. They carefully loaded the injured marines into the vehicles, placing them alongside the rest of the team, and began the journey back to base.

It was now 6:00 p.m., the aftermath of the battle settling in like a heavy blanket over the base. The cold, sterile hum of the healing pods echoed faintly in the quiet corridor, their pale lights casting soft, rhythmic glows across the walls. The soft beeps and mechanical whirring of the machines were the only sounds, save for the hushed voices of Lieutenant Donald and Sergeant Thomas, who stood by the pods, gazing at their comrades who lay inside.

Lt Donald: Well, Thomas, today was one hell of a battle. But we all made it back alive.

He said the words with a sense of both relief and weariness. His hand rested on the railing of the pod where Richard was submerged, the young soldier's body still bruised but slowly regenerating thanks to the advanced medical technology of the Lakay forces.

Sergeant Thomas: Yeah.

he chuckled, though his voice was hoarse from the intensity of the day's events.

Sergeant Thomas: Definitely something alright. The kid fought like a damn legend out there. How he managed to hold up against that freak of an admiral...

Thomas shook his head in disbelief, his admiration for Richard growing by the minute.

There was a pause as both men stood in silence, their minds still whirling from the battle that had unfolded only a few hours ago. Their soldiers were healing, yes, but the emotional toll of near death was always heavier than the physical wounds they bore.

Sergeant Thomas shifted slightly, looking around the room.

Sergeant Thomas: By the way, where's the corporal?

he asked, his brow furrowing in mild concern. He hadn't seen the man since the skirmish ended.

Donald exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

Lt Donald: Good question. I don't know, but I think he's still inside the dome.

He frowned, mentally reviewing the events. The corporal hadn't reported back yet, and it was unusual for him to go silent for this long.

Lt Donald: I'll send some marines to go look for him once we're done here.

Thomas gave a curt nod.

Sergeant Thomas: That sounds like a plan. Hopefully, he's just wrapping up and not stuck with any more surprises out there.

Lt Donald sighed, a weight still pressing on him despite the victory.

Lt Donald: For now, let's head back to our rooms. I have a call to answer; it's from the commander himself.

Sergeant Thomas raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

Sergeant Thomas: Commander, huh? Wonder what he has to say about today.

Donald smirked, though the exhaustion in his eyes was unmistakable.

Lt Donald: You and me both. See you tomorrow, Sergeant.

Thomas offered a salute before turning to leave.

Sergeant Thomas: Get some rest, Lieutenant. We're gonna need it.

As Donald walked toward his quarters, his mind replayed the events of the day. They had won, yes, but the cost of victory always weighed heavy. His thoughts wandered to Richard, to how close they had come to losing him, and to the burden placed on young soldiers like him. The lieutenant had always been a realist, knowing the stakes of this war, but seeing the near-death of someone so young always tugged at a part of him that the battlefield had never quite hardened.

Reaching his quarters, Donald sat at his desk and activated the secure communications channel. After a brief moment, the flickering image of the Commander appeared on the screen. The commander, a grizzled man with a face etched by years of war, was a figure of immense respect among the Lakay forces. His voice, deep and commanding, filled the room as he greeted Donald.

Commander ???: Report.

Lt Donald straightened in his seat, his tone formal but not devoid of pride.

Lt Donald: Hello, Commander. I have good news to report: we successfully destroyed the satellite command tower, and Admiral Kenneth has been defeated. He is currently under our watch, bound for imprisonment.

The commander's expression shifted, a gleam of surprise and approval crossing his weathered features.

Commander ???: Excellent, Lieutenant. It's been years since we've secured a victory of this magnitude. To imprison a higher-up... That's insane. Let me guess, it was the young soldier who brought him down?

Lt Donald nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips.

Lt Donald: Yes, sir. Richard took him down. The kid's got potential, more than we could have imagined.

The commander's expression softened, a rare smile forming on his lips as he leaned back in his chair, the weight of decades of war momentarily lifting.

Commander ???: Finally. After so many years, a higher-up has fallen. This will definitely shake the Trinity to its core. I've been waiting for this moment for what feels like a lifetime.

He paused, letting the weight of the moment sink in before continuing.

Commander ???: You don't know how proud I am of all of you. You've done something truly remarkable today.

There was a brief silence, the weight of the commander's words sinking in. For a man like him, hardened by endless war and loss, to show pride and hope was no small thing. He had seen so many soldiers fall, so many battles lost—but now, there was finally a glimmer of hope.

Commander ???: Lieutenant, I want you to make sure that your captain treats that private with the utmost respect. Keep him safe. He'll be the one to bring down that man once and for all—the one who's been leading this war from the shadows. Richard's victory today was just the beginning.

Donald listened intently, his mind racing as the commander spoke. He knew who the commander was referring to—the Governor, the leader of Trinity, the elusive figure who had orchestrated the war and caused countless deaths. Richard had proven himself today, but this war was far from over.

Lt Donald: Yes, sir. I'll make sure he's well-protected and ready for whatever comes next.

The commander's smile grew, though his eyes remained somber.

Commander ???: Good. You've all done well today. But remember, the war isn't over yet. There's still much to be done.

He paused for a moment, his expression softening as he looked at Donald with a fatherly gaze.

Commander ???: You know, Lieutenant... I've always seen you and your team as more than just soldiers. Over the years, as I've watched so many fall, I've come to see all of you as my children. I've lost so many, but today... Today, I finally see hope. You've given me that. Richard's given me that.

Donald felt a lump form in his throat at the commander's words. He had always respected the Commander, but hearing the raw emotion in his voice was something he hadn't expected. It was rare for the commander to open up like this, and it spoke to the gravity of what they had accomplished.

Commander ???: Remember this, Donald. You and I... We do what we must to take care of others. That's what sets us apart from them. That's what makes us who we are.

The commander chuckled softly, a warm, almost fatherly laugh that resonated through the comms.

Commander ???: Don't forget that.

Donald's lips twitched into a small smile as he nodded.

Lt Donald: Yes, sir. I understand very well.

The commander's face softened once more before the call ended, leaving Donald alone in the quiet of his quarters. He sat back in his chair, staring at the blank screen for a long moment, the commander's words echoing in his mind.

There was a sense of finality to the conversation, a weight to the responsibility now resting on his shoulders. The commander was right—this was just the beginning. The defeat of Admiral Kenneth Blight would shake the Trinity to its core, but it wouldn't end the war. The Governor was still out there, and Richard... Richard would be the key to bringing him down.

The Quiet After the Storm, Donald stood from his desk, his body aching from the day's exertions. As he made his way to his bed, he couldn't help but think of the faces of his team—Thomas, Beatrice, Richard, Takeda, and the others. They had all fought so hard today, and now, finally, they had a moment of peace.

But even as he lay down, his mind couldn't rest. The commander's words weighed heavily on him, a constant reminder of the burden they all carried. There was hope now, yes, but the war wasn't over.

And tomorrow, they would fight again.

As Donald closed his eyes, exhaustion finally overtaking him, he found solace in the thought that, for today at least, they had won. And for the first time in a long while, the future seemed just a little bit brighter.